James Hake is a potter originally from Cumbria, now working from his studio in Over Kellet, Lancashire.
He is widely recognised for his large-scale forms, particularly his distinctive square bottles. Rather than being slab-built, these pieces are first thrown on the wheel and then carefully altered, with bases and necks added to create strong, dynamic, and seamless forms.
Influenced by the work of Edward Hughes, Hake demonstrates a comparable level of technical mastery, particularly in his glazing techniques. His bottles are fired on their sides, allowing the glaze to move to the edge of fluidity—held in a moment of suspended motion that creates richly layered and spontaneous surface effects. Each piece is entirely unique.
Working with locally sourced materials, Hake produces his own interpretations of classic Japanese glazes, including Nuka and Tenmoku. His collection spans an impressive range of work, from platters and vases to smaller bottles, offering pieces that appeal to a wide spectrum of collectors.
